Cussons Care - June 18

My daughter is three years old and she is starting to have white spots on her face that are gradually spreading. What sort of creme or ointment should I apply?
Mariam

Dr David Russell: This condition may be what is called Molluscum Contagiosum which is caused by a virus. It is very common in children and can be spread quite easily. Treatment is not absolutely necessary, since the infection will subside within a year. However, if the spots are quite noticeable and persistent, your doctor may decide to remove them. As this virus spreads very easily, you should not let your child share towels and avoid direct skin contact with others.

My fair complexion is getting tanned since I started swimming. I am using sun screen lotion. but no use. Please advise.
Mini

Firstly, you should check the sun protection factor of your sunscreen. If you do not want to develop any colour, you should use a sunblock with a factor of 50. Make sure that the sunblock is waterproof and apply at least 20 minutes before going outside. You can also purchase swimsuits which are made from material that will not absorb ultra violet rays and these garments generally cover the upper legs and shoulders. They are hardly a fashion statement but they will protect your skin effectively!

I have a lot of open pores and black heads on my face. Because of open pores my skin looks rough and unequal. Please advise on what to do?
Romi

Firstly, you should cleanse you skin thoroughly and deeply to ensure that all your blackheads have been removed. A professional deep cleansing facial is the best and the most efficient way of doing this. You should follow this up by exfoliating your skin at least twice a week and applying a pore refining mask. Wear an oil-free, pore-refining foundation base as it contains light reflecting pigments which will not draw attention to your large pores. This type of foundation will give a smoother, even textured look to the skin. Don't forget to remove your make-up thoroughly each night to prevent your pores from becoming blocked again.

I am 26 years old with a fair complexion and my problem is white heads. They cause acne especially on the sides of my cheeks, chin and forehead. The acne is not very severe; two-three breakouts in a week. I do not pick or squeeze them but they leave dark marks which take a long time to fade away. I do not experience dryness. Neither do I have oily patches.

What kind of skin do I have? I use Nivea Visage's mild cleanser and toner for oily skin twice a day. I am also using Freeman's banish the blemishes mask once a week which contains salicyclic acid. Am I using the right products?

Also what kind of facial should I go for and at what intervals? Is there any way I can treat the white heads at home? Is steaming beneficial? Is it possible for us to remove the white heads with a metal extractor like the one used in the parlour or do we risk an infection? If yes, how many times a week should it be carried out ? Please advise.
Very depressed person

You are doing the right thing by using the mild products that you mention as your skin could probably become very irritated. You should consult a skin care therapist who can accurately advise you after inspecting your skin under a magnifier. You probably should have a course of deep cleansing acne facials to improve your skin followed by a maintenance programme, again a skin care therapist will advise you. I would not advise any home treatments until you have sought professional advice. Do not use metal extractors on your spots, as in the wrong hands these can cause bruising and scarring to the delicate tissues of the skin. It might also be worth consulting a dermatologist who may prescribe an acne treatment such as Accutane.

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